MARKS & Spencer chairman Luc Vandevelde today asked shareholders for patience at the High Street giant's annual meeting as he stuck by his promise to deliver the first signs of recovery next year.

Mr Vandevelde urged shareholders to take heart despite first quarter trading figures released earlier today showing a further tumble in sales.

M&S's core clothing department again disappointed with sales of clothing, footwear and gifts down 9.1% in the 14 weeks to July 7.

Mr Vandevelde described the performance was disappointing but stressed that the business's new management team was getting M&S back on track.

"When I joined I promised results in two years and I stand by that commitment," he said.

"We should see progressive signs of improvement as we focus on the key areas of products, stores and our people.

"Marks & Spencer is not ailing or beleaguered, let's not forget it is still a fabulous business with 10 million customers a week visiting our stores."

His comments were broadly welcomed by shareholders who gathered at London's Royal Festival Hall.

But they criticised the chain over the continuing under-performance of its womenswear range - which accounts for 60% of M&S's clothing sales.

Teresa Vanneck-Surplice, an artist from Richmond, south west London - a shareholder for 20 years - said: "I actually think Luc Vandevelde is trying very hard and I think he is trying to listen, but I am not yet happy with the improvements.

"M&S hasn't the faintest idea on how to develop women's clothing. We all want to look different and that's why Autograph did so badly.

"I don't know a single person who would have wanted to spend #300 on a dress from Autograph and go to the Epsom races only for everyone to laugh at her and say 'Oh she's wearing something from Marks & Spencer'."